Grand County, Colorado: A visit to the Rocky Mountains during winter gives you a whole new appreciation for the grandeur of the area. Long recognized as a winter sports destination, Grand County, Colorado, offers some breathtaking alternatives, and a 4-day getaway is the perfect way to take it all in.
Day 1:
A Rocky Mountain Welcome: As the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand County represents the “quiet side” to this popular destination. Although Trail Ridge Road, the summer access from Estes Park, is closed during the winter, the park can still be enjoyed by way of its western gate near Grand Lake. Weather permitting, the Kawuneeche Visitor Center is open during the winter, and serves as the base for snowshoe and cross country tours into the trails.
Day 2:
Ski: Whether your style is alpine or Nordic, Grand County is home to some of the country’s best ski resorts, so this is the place to enjoy some fine Rocky Mountain skiing. Winter Park Resort has been offering family-style skiing since 1940, and now covers nearly 3,000 acres. SolVista Basin at Granby Ranch specializes in the intimate family experience. If you’d rather strap on some skinny skis, you can choose from Devil’s Thumb Ranch, YMCA of the Rockies/Snow Mountain Ranch, C Lazy U Ranch, SolVista Basin at Granby Ranch, Grand Lake Touring Center, and Latigo Ranch – or miles and miles of back country trails in our many local public lands.
Day 3:
A Day Off: Time to relax and enjoy some local flavor. Grand Lake and Winter Park offer some fine shopping opportunities, and local dining covers the gamut from casual family pizzerias to romantic, upscale dinners for two. Even during the winter, the Hot Sulphur Springs Resort is a great place to relax and enjoy the healing hot waters in a rugged canyon of the Colorado River. In the evening, head to Winter Park for a movie, live theater or some live blues at Smokin’ Moe’s.
Day 4:
Snowmobiling: Grand Lake is known as Colorado’s snowmobile capital, for the wealth of trails available in the area, and the local welcoming attitude towards the vehicles. In addition to area trails into the surrounding public lands, there’s good snowmobiling to be had on the frozen lakes in the area – and good ice fishing to boot! Another favorite snowmobiling destination is the east side of Rabbit Ears Pass, above Kremmling, where a good season sees nearly 300 inches of snow. (If motor sports aren’t your speed, contact one of the local dogsled outfits for an unforgettable trail ride!)
Grand County, Colorado is the perfect year-round destinations with activities ranging from a family ski adventure to a real Western trail ride. For additional information on Grand County and an online Trip Planner check out www.grand-county.com or call 800-729-5821. 
